Standing at an imposing 6ft 7in, Paul Onuachu’s stature has long been one of his greatest assets.
Yet, in Southampton’s EFL Cup quarter-final clash against Liverpool at St. Mary’s this week, it proved inconsequential as he lost an aerial duel to Wataru Endo, a player nearly a foot shorter.
Southampton succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, but the optics of that moment underscored Onuachu’s struggles since his return to England.
In the same breath, Turkish media has been lauding Simon Banza, the man Trabzonspor brought in to replace Onuachu.
On loan from Braga for €2 million, Banza has been nothing short of spectacular, tallying 10 goals and an assist in 12 Super Lig games. To put that in perspective, Onuachu scored eight in the same number of games during his stint with Trabzonspor.
While the Nigerian eventually ended the season with 21 goal contributions (17 goals, four assists) in 25 appearances, Banza's current form suggests that, unlike in the summer, the Turkish club may no longer pine for Onuachu’s return.
The stark comparison between the two forwards has raised questions about the 30-year-old's ability to adapt and thrive outside Belgium and Turkey.
Despite his talent, the optics of his struggles—symbolised by losing aerial battles and being outperformed by his successor—are diminishing his stock.
Onuachu must reinvent himself
The sacking of Southampton manager Russell Martin could offer a lifeline. Under Martin, Southampton’s slow, possession-heavy system did little to accommodate Onuachu’s style.
A new tactical approach could allow the towering forward to play to his strengths, especially in the physical and fast-paced environment of the Premier League. Incoming manager Ivan Juric is known for platforming attackers, but is less wedded to a positional playing style.
However, the onus is on Onuachu to shed his “gentle giant” image and impose himself as the commanding presence his stature suggests. Football is an unforgiving sport, and without a drastic improvement, he risks becoming a forgotten figure—a cautionary tale of unfulfilled potential.
Southampton may be languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from 16 games, but the league remains a platform to prove his mettle.
The question now is whether Onuachu will seize this opportunity to make his mark—or risk seeing the doors to top-tier football close behind him.
